Mum Cleared Over Crash Which Killed Autistic Son

Karen Evans, 36, has been cleared of causing death by dangerous driving after her 11-year-old son died when she lost control of her car.

Jordan, who was autistic, was instantly killed in the crash, whilst Ms Evans and her two daughters, aged three and 18, were seriously injured.

Mold Crown Court heard that Ms Evans had crossed from lane two of the A55 in North Wales to a slip road at speed to stop for petrol on the school run. Prosecutors claimed the accident was due to her being in a hurry, whilst she said a steering malfunction was to blame.

Ms Evans sobbed as the jury of seven men and five women returned a unanimous not guilty verdict after deliberating for an hour and 15 minutes.

At the start of the trial, Judge Peter Heywood had questioned whether the case was in the public interest given Karen Evans' loss and the fact she would have to relive her son's death in court. The Crown Prosecution Service however, responded by saying the case was in the 'wider public interest'.

After releasing Mrs Evans from the dock, the judge told the jurors he 'entirely agreed' with their decision, adding: 'It has been an awful ordeal for her - having lost a son and then having to go through a trial.'